When you flip through magazines and watch advertisements, you’ll see that fitness and Whey protein always go hand-in-hand, so it’s no surprise that it’s readily available at steelsupplements.com and similar fitness supplement companies. But Whey protein doesn’t only fuel big muscles; there’s so much more to it than meets the eye.
What is Whey protein?
What we know to be Whey protein powder is the supplement your body needs for muscle building and it comes from milk. It’s the liquid which separates from the curds during the cheesemaking process. Most people also consider it as a form of waste or a byproduct of curd and cheese manufacturing.
The protein in a cow’s milk approximately contains 20% of Whey. The protein in Whey is complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acid. It is also low in lactose content which means you are not adding more sugar into your body while consuming it.
Types of Whey protein:
The following are the three types of Whey protein that you should be familiar with.
- Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) – This type of protein contain low fat levels and carbohydrates. The protein percentage in WPC rests on how concentrated it is. The lower-end concentrates usually have 30% protein while higher-end concentrates may reach up to 90%.
- Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH) – This is the “predigested” form of Whey protein as it has passed through partial hydrolysis. This process is vital for the body’s protein absorption. Unlike the other two forms of Whey protein, WPH doesn’t need much digestion.
- Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) – This type of protein undergoes further processing to remove all lactose and fat. WPI is generally made up of at least 90% protein.
Whatever the type, Whey is a good source of protein that helps you get good results from your workouts. Some people even add in some peptides – high quality pepitdes to buy to help give them that extra boost. But that should not be the only reason why it should be a part of your healthy diet.
Benefits of Whey Protein
Here are seven benefits which prove that Whey protein as a supplement is more than just a tub of Whey that fills you up.
1. Stress management
A study in the Netherlands put 58 subjects under experimental stress, and it was discovered that individuals who consumed Whey protein experienced lesser symptoms of depression. The participants also exhibited better moods than those who didn’t take the supplement.
The conclusion of the study states that the positive reaction of the participants was due to the changes in the brain’s serotonin levels. So instead of getting intoxicated for (false) temporary stress relief, go for a thirst-quenching protein shake instead.
2. Enhanced antioxidant defenses
Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from harmful molecules such as free radicals. They also reduce oxidative stress and lessen the risk of different chronic diseases.
The most important antioxidant in a human’s body is glutathione. The production of glutathione depends on the limited supply of amino acids such as cysteine. A high cysteine supplement such as Whey protein can boost the body’s antioxidant defenses.
3. Reduction of inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to damage. Under certain circumstances, it can become chronic which, in turn, is harmful to the body as it increases the risk for contracting diseases.
A review study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website has shown that taking a high dosage of Whey protein supplement can significantly reduce C-reactive protein or CRP. This protein is an inflammation “key marker” in the body.
4. Hunger control
Always hungry? Whey protein can reduce your hunger and help you avoid the risk of becoming overweight or obese. An Australian research has shown that those who drink a beverage that contains about 50 grams of Whey reduce their levels of ghrelin.
Ghrelin is a hormone that sends a message to your brain whenever you’re hungry. So before you munch on that unhealthy snack, drink your Whey protein shake beforehand.
5. Strength
A research at Baylor University in Waco found that men who perform resistance training and drink Whey protein have a significant increase in body mass and muscle strength. This supports current practice advising gym-goers to consume Whey protein an hour before and after exercise for maximum strength and muscle building gains.
6. Decrease in cholesterol
A published study in The British Journal of Nutrition illustrates how 70 overweight individuals were instructed to take Whey supplements.
For 12 weeks, the researchers measured parameters and levels of lipid and insulin in the bodies of the participants. They later found out that there was a significant reduction in the total cholesterol among all of the participants.
7. Weight management
Another NCBI-published study has shown that the 158 participants instructed to consume Whey lost a significant amount of body fat. The participants also displayed a better preservation of lean muscles in contrast to other subjects.
Whey protein powder benefits individuals undergoing strength training as well as those who are having difficulties in meeting their protein needs thru food alone.
If you want to add high quality protein to your diet, you will definitely benefit from taking Whey protein supplements. Remember that Whey protein powder supplementation does not only increase muscle mass but also helps improve overall health.
AUTHOR BIO
Gehana Kennedy is the owner of vitaminshop.ae, the go-to source for high-quality wellness products including a range of step-by-step formulated vitamins, fitness supplements and natural skin care products. With innovative ideas and implementation of new technologies, she was able to establish a platform that offers not only quality products but also valuable information for customers.
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